2008 07 01 CC MinutesLA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
JULY 1, 2008
A regular meeting of the La Quinta City Council was called to order at the hour of
3:00 p.m. by Mayor Adolph.
PRESENT: Council Members Henderson, Kirk, Osborne, Sniff, Mayor Adolph
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC COMMENT -None
CLOSED SESSION
1. EVALUATION OF CITY ATTORNEY PERFORMANCE -GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTION 54957.
Council recessed to the Redevelopment Agency and to Closed Session to and until
the hour of 4:00 p.m.
4:00 P.M.
Mayor Adolph led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
City Attorney Jenson announced Chairman Kirk recused himself during
Redevelopment Agency Closed Session Item No. 3 due to a potential conflict of
interest as his residence is within 500 feet of the project.
PUBLIC COMMENT -None
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA -Confirmed
ANNOUNCEMENTS -None
City Council Minutes 2 July 1, 2008
PRESENTATIONS
Lieutenant Ray Gregory introduced the addition of Deputy Robert Wiggs as a motor
officer and Community Services Officer Bridgette Delaney to the traffic services
team for the City of La Quinta.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS -None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to approve the City
Council Minutes of June 17, 2008, as submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Member Sniff/Osborne to approve the City
Council Special Meeting Minutes of June 19, 2008, as submitted. Motion carried
unanimously.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Kirk requested Item Nos. 10 and 1 1 be taken up separately due to
a potential conflict of interest as Coral Option 1, LLC is a related Drummond entity,
which is his employer.
1. APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER DATED JULY 1, 2008.
2. AUTHORIZATION FOR OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR ASSISTANT CITY
MANAGER-DEVELOPMENT SERVICES AND TWO MANAGEMENT
ANALYSTS TO ATTEND THE ICSC WESTERN DIVISION CONFERENCE IN
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, SEPTEMBER 10-12, 2008.
3. APPROVAL OF A JOINT USE AGREEMENT WITH THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB
OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY, PRESIDENT GERALD R. FORD BOYS & GIRLS
CLUB OF LA QUINTA.
4. AUTHORIZATION FOR OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR THE RECREATION
SUPERVISOR TO ATTEND THE REITZ MARKETING AND REVENUE
SOURCES MANAGEMENT SCHOOL IN SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA,
SEPTEMBER 7-10, 2008.
City Council Minutes 3 July 1, 2008
5. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION TO EXTEND THE TIME FOR COMPLETION
OF ONSITE IMPROVEMENTS FOR TRACT MAP 32068, GOLD RESERVE AT
THE CITRUS, POMELO PACIFIC, LLC. (RESOLUTION NO. 2008-045)
6. APPROVAL OF A MAINTENANCE SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH CLEAN
STREET TO PROVIDE STREET SWEEPING SERVICES FOR FISCAL YEAR
2008/2009.
7. AUTHORIZATION FOR OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR THE CITY MANAGER AND
ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER-MANAGEMENT SERVICES TO ATTEND THE
INTERNATIONAL CITY/COUNTY MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (ICMA)
ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN RICHMOND, VIRGINIA, SEPTEMBER 21-24,
2008.
8. AUTHORIZATION FOR OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR THREE MEMBERS OF THE
CITY COUNCIL TO ATTEND THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES ANNUAL
CONFERENCE IN LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA, SEPTEMBER 24-27, 2008.
9. APPROVAL OF A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS TO OBTAIN PROFESSIONAL
ENGINEERING SERVICES TO PREPARE A CITYWIDE UTILITY
UNDERGROUNDING FEASIBILITY STUDY.
10. ACCEPTANCE OF ONSITE AND OFFSITE IMPROVEMENTS ASSOCIATED
WITH TRACT MAP 31681-1, ANDALUSIA, CORAL OPTION 1, LLC. (See
separate action below.)
11. ACCEPTANCE OF ONSITE AND OFFSITE IMPROVEMENTS ASSOCIATED
WITH TRACT MAP 31681-2, ANDALUSIA, CORAL OPTION 1, LLC. (See
separate action below.)
12. APPROVAL OF AN OPERATIONAL AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY OF
RIVERSIDE FOR THE COACHELLA VALLEY VIOLENT GANG TASK FORCE.
13. APPROVAL OF AN INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANT'S REPORT ON AGREED
UPON PROCEDURES FOR THE ADAMS STREET BRIDGE IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT.
14. APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THE
LA QUINTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008/2009.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Osborne to approve the
Consent Calendar as recommended and amended with the exception of Item
Nos. 10 and 11 and with Item No. 5 being approved by RESOLUTION NO.
2008-045. Motion carried unanimously.
City Council Minutes 4 July 1, 2008
Item Nos. 10 and 11:
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Osborne to approve
Consent Calendar Item Nos. 10 and 11 as submitted. Motion carried 4-0-1
with Council Member Kirk abstaining.
BUSINESS SESSION
1. CONSIDERATION OF CONTRACT SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH KINER
COMMUNICATIONS FOR PROFESSIONAL MARKETING SERVICES FOR
FISCAL YEAR 2008/2009.
Council Member Osborne recused himself from participating on this item due
to a potential conflict of interest as Kiner Communications is a client of his
accounting firm, and he left the dais.
Management Analyst Casillas presented the staff report.
In response to Mayor Adolph, Management Analyst Casillas stated staff
attempted to budget an amount for Fiscal Year 2008/2009 that is close to
last year's amount, and explained new programs added this year. Scott
Kiner, of Kiner Communications, explained the billboard shown on screen
during the U.S. Open is controlled by KMIR-TV.
Council Member Henderson noted although the marketing budget is higher
this year, the City Council will review and approve the programs; and stated
this is not the time to fall back on the marketing aspect. Mr. Kiner stated
the current economy is a buyer's market.
Council Member Henderson commented on a peel-off card promoting
restaurants in Rancho Mirage that was included in conference materials at
the recent Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) annual
meeting.
Andrea Carter, of Kiner Communications, announced Kiner Communications
recently won a Bronze Tele Award.
Council Member Sniff stated he has noticed the City of Rancho Mirage is
placing advertising similar to La Quinta; stated there should be a significant
emphasis to the City of La Quinta during the television commercials; stated
these are more competitive times, and judicious advertising can have
tremendous value to the City; it is important to support the revenue
City Council Minutes 5 July 1, 2008
producers because they are vital to the City; and he complimented Kiner
Communications for doing an excellent job.
Council Member Kirk conveyed support for a contract with Kiner
Communications, and for marketing specific City programs; and stated his
concerns about generic advertising is known.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Kirk/Henderson to approve a
Contract Services Agreement with Kiner Communications for professional
marketing services for Fiscal Year 2008/2009 in the amount of 5322,300,
including a Cooperative Marketing Program with La Quinta Hotels for an
additional not-to-exceed amount of S 1 17,000 (implementation and funding
contingent upon future City Council approval-; and authorize the City
Manager to execute the contract. Motion carried by vote of 4-0-1 with
Council Member Osborne abstaining.
2. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION TO DESIGNATE A REDEVELOPMENT
SURVEY AREA FOR A PROPOSED FIFTH AMENDMENT TO THE
REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE LA QUINTA REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT
AREA NO. 2.
Redevelopment Consultant Spevacek presented the staff report.
RESOLUTION NO. 2008-046
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, DESIGNATING A REDEVELOPMENT SURVEY AREA FOR
STUDY PURPOSES FOR THE PROPOSED AREA TO BE ADDED BY THE
FIFTH AMENDMENT TO THE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE LA QUINTA
REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA NO. 2.
It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Osborne to adopt Resolution No.
2008-046 as submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
3. CONSIDERATION OF FORMATION AND APPOINTMENT OF TWO MEMBERS
TO AN AD-HOC COMMITTEE TO REVIEW THE 1ST QUARTER (JULY 2008 -
SEPTEMBER 20081 GRANT REQUESTS.
Community Services Director Hylton presented the staff report.
In response to Council Member Sniff, Community Services Director Hylton
stated 5100,000 has been budgeted for the Community Services Grant
City Council Minutes 6 July 1, 2008
Program for Fiscal Year 2008/2009. She explained the amount approved for
grants each quarter is determined by the City Council. Staff has not made
any effort to designate an amount to allocate each quarter.
Council Member Henderson noted the Ad-Hoc Committee makes a
recommendation, and it is up to the City Council whether or not to approve
them.
Mayor Adolph stated he feels the current process functions very well.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Kirk/Osborne to appoint
Council Members Henderson and Osborne to serve on the Community
Services Grant Review Ad-Hoc Committee for the 15L Quarter (July -
September 20081.
4. CONSIDERATION OF CITY POLICIES FOR THE DONATION OF ARTWORK.
Community Services Director Hylton presented the staff report.
In response to Council Member Osborne, Community Services Director
Hylton explained the proposed policy requires the donator to pay for
installation of the art piece they want to have displayed, and the City would
be responsible for maintenance of the art piece. She explained the cost of
materials to display and install a quilt recently donated for the Library was
paid for by the donator, and they understood the costs associated with the
donation.
Council Member Henderson expressed concern that the policy seems to
discourage donations. Community Services Director Hylton stated that was
not the intent, and explained the installation and long-term maintenance
costs involved. Council Member Henderson suggested the possibility of
establishing a grant fund for when someone who wants to donate artwork
but cannot afford the installation costs.
Council Member Osborne noted it is up to the City Council whether or not
they want to accept a donation, and he feels it is wrong to charge someone
for a donation.
Council Member Kirk asked if there is a separate program for non-memorial
donations, and if not, what is the reason for having a detailed program for a
memorial donation. Community Services Director Hylton explained the policy
would apply to both memorial and non-memorial donations. She confirmed
City Council Minutes 7 July 1, 2008
eliminating the word "memorial" would not change the program, and that the
form can be modified to use for either donation.
Council Member Sniff commented on the need for the City Council to be
discerning in accepting art donations, and the difficulty of turning them
down. As for charging donators, he noted people who have stars on the
Hollywood Walk of Fame have to pay for them. He suggested extreme
caution in this matter, and inquired as to who would determine if there is any
value in the donated artwork. City Attorney Jenson explained the artwork is
reviewed by the Community Services Commission, and they make a
recommendation to the City Council. City Manager Genovese explained
staff's only support would be in presenting the application to the
Commission or the City Council. City Attorney Jenson stated the City
Council could direct staff to bring forward only those art donations that staff
feels has artistic merit. Council Member Sniff stated maybe that should be
considered to avoid having this get out of control.
In response to Mayor Adolph, Community Services Director Hylton explained
the difference between a donation to the City and a donation to the museum
is that a piece donated to the museum would be owned by the Historical
Society. As for the cost of installation, she explained it could range from
very inexpensive for something as a picture to more expensive if it is a heavy
specialty piece or a sculpture.
Mayor Adolph stated he could understand the concern if the City was
inundated with donations, but the City has received only a few donations
during the past years and they were nice items.
Council Member Henderson expressed concern about giving staff discretion
in evaluating artwork donated to the City.
Council Member Kirk stated he is supportive of having a policy, and noted
the City Council always has the discretion of ignoring it if they choose. He
suggested having one application to receive all art donations, and that it
include an introductory paragraph explaining the process and reason for
requiring payment of installation costs. He commented on the challenge of
rejecting donations, and suggested establishing a waiting period of 12
months to consider memorial donations.
Council Member Sniff agreed, and suggested including a disclaimer on the
application stating that the donated artwork may possibly not be accepted.
City Council Minutes 8 July 1, 2008
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Kirk/Henderson to adopt
policies and procedures for the donation of artwork for public display,
including the above-mentioned suggestions, and direct staff to bring a
revised policy back as a Consent Calendar Item on a future agenda.
Council Member Osborne stated he will reluctantly support the policy, but
expressed opposition to requiring the donator to pay for installation costs.
Motion carried unanimously.
STUDY SESSION -None
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
League of California Cities -Council Member Henderson reported she is chairing a
subcommittee under the Revenue and Tax Committee that is reviewing the
Streamline Sales and Use Tax generated by internet sales. She reviewed the
diverse types of transactions conducted on the internet, including TOT, and stated
22 states have adopted the document, excluding California. She will distribute
material for the City Council's reference, and explained city, county and state
ordinances must be changed when adopting the document. In response to Council
Member Sniff, she stated other states have reviewed and adopted the document,
and the League has been in contact with them to question how it is working for
them. She noted each State will have one vote because it is not based on
population.
Council Member Henderson also reported on: legislation regarding Livermore and
Fillmore; the Hilton Hotel entities and Starwood working with the League on
uniform rules regarding collection of TOT; an initiative on the November ballot
entitled "The Safe Neighborhood Act" that would lock in a total of 51 billion from
the State general fund, including 5965 million in discretionary funds the State has
traditionally given to cities for the COPS programs; and an amendment to the
Spay/Neuter Bill AB 1634, mandating the spaying/neutering of dogs and cats along
with fines when Animal Control or Code Enforcement is called out on complaints
(two calls for dogs and three calls for cats.
CVAG Homelessness Committee -Council Member Osborne reported Riverside
County will be funding the Westside facility and maintain the programs; stated
nothing further has been done for the Eastside facility; the Committee has
established a formula for each city, but none of the cities can afford the cost;
explained the County's approach to eliminate homelessness is to provide free
City Council Minutes 9 July 1, 2008
housing; and reported the County will be conducting another count of the homeless
in January 2009, including La Quinta.
City Manager Genovese stated staff has expressed concern to CVAG about the
CVAG formula being utilized for funding of a homeless shelter, either in the east or
west Valley; and stated he has indicated the City may not necessarily fund the
west facility as there may be other shelters to which the City may wish to provide
funding.
CVAG Executive Committee -Mayor Adolph reported the Executive Committee
approved a balanced budget, and 75% funding for the Fred Waring Drive street
improvements.
SunLine Transit Agency -Mayor Adolph stated the Board approved a balanced
budget, and postponed discussion of the taxi cab issue. He stated Palm Springs
Mayor Pougnet is looking for support for the Palm Springs City Council to take over
taxi cab regulation. In response to Council Member Kirk, he confirmed it would
include all taxi services in the Valley except a few independent operators that do
not wish to be a part of the regulation.
All other reports were noted and filed.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
1-C. UPDATE ON GREEN SUSTAINABLE PROGRAM.
In response to Council Member Osborne, Assistant City Manager-
Development Services Evans explained the preliminary budget figure of
S50,000 for the CVWD Village Police Substation Conservation Program
includes a fair amount of contingencies, and can be reduced. He stated the
location could be utilized as a demonstration program for the community.
Council Member Osborne stated he feels it is an extraordinary amount, and
questioned the backyard being a suitable view for a demonstration program.
Assistant City Manager-Development Services Evans noted the front yard is
viewable from the street, and the City Council will have an opportunity for a
comprehensive review of the project.
Council Member Kirk stated he is unsure the project is the best allocation of
funds, and asked if it will come back to the City Council before expenditure
of funds. Assistant City Manager-Development Services Evans confirmed
City Council Minutes 10 July 1, 2008
the program will come back to the Agency for approval, and noted
adjustments can be made to the project during final consideration of the
budget.
5. COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
Council Member Osborne asked about a S20 fee at the La Quinta Museum as
reported in the newspaper listing of recreational programs. Community
Services Director Hylton stated programs provided by the City have been
free, but staff will look into the matter.
1-B. QUARTERLY MARKETING REPORT.
Council Member Henderson inquired about the City Council not having a
chance to review the "Green is Certifiably Gold" mailer included with the
report, and suggested adding some background voice or music to the
referenced webpage. She also asked for clarification on the gold or platinum
certification. Assistant City Manager-Development Services Evans confirmed
gold certification of the project has not yet been received, but that
certification is certain. The project has also been submitted for platinum, and
a rater has indicated that it will be recommended for platinum. He stated the
mailer was not submitted to the City Council because staff was strategically
timing the release into the industry.
Redevelopment Consultant Spevacek explained review for LEED certification
was completed two weeks ago, and staff was informed that all 80 units will
be submitted for platinum status. He stated notification should be received
within 30 days.
In response to Mayor Adolph, Assistant City Manager-Development Services
Evans stated a project in the City of Palm Springs may have been proposed
for gold certification, but it has not started construction.
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS
Council Member Osborne stated the County has adopted the Vista Santa Rosa Task
Force Land Use Plan, and asked about the next General Plan update. Planning
Director Johnson stated staff is currently working on the scope of work and hopes
to have an RFP prepared by September or October; and stated the review is an 18
to 24 months process.
City Council Minutes 11 July 1, 2008
Council Member Osborne stated he hopes the Vista Santa Rosa Task Force Land
Use Plan is within the General Plan update information.
Council Member Henderson stated she supports reviewing the Land Use Plan to see
how it would work with our City, but she does not agree with it.
Mayor Adolph stated a letter has been received from a citizen requesting the
allowance of fireworks in the City, and he has asked staff to send a letter
explaining why they are not allowed. City Manager Genovese confirmed staff will
respond, and stated a discussion regarding a Fourth of July fireworks show in
2009 will be brought before the City Council at a future meeting.
Mayor Adolph announced he has been invited to give a presentation before the
Board of Realtors, and thanked staff for their assistance in compiling the
information.
Council Member Osborne commented on the substantial number of rentals in the
Valley that should be paying Transient Occupancy Tax, but are not. He feels the
City will need to address this matter sometime in the future.
The City Council recessed to the Redevelopment Agency meeting.
Mayor Adolph reconvened the City Council meeting and recessed it to Closed
Session to and until 7:00 p.m.
7:00 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENT -None
PRESENTATIONS -None
City Council Minutes 12 July 1, 2008
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION
APPROVING AONE-YEAR TIME EXTENSION FOR VILLAGE USE PERMIT
2005-032 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 19,433 t SQUARE-FOOT, TWO-
STORY OFFICE BUILDING WITH COFFEE HOUSE LOCATED ON LOT 77 AT
THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF MAIN STREET AND AVENIDA LA FONDA.
APPLICANT: NISPERO PROPERTIES.
Planning Manager Sawyer presented the staff report.
In response to Council Member Henderson, Planning Manager Sawyer
explained the Planning Commission postponed this matter to ensure all
concerns were addressed in the conditions of approvals, and specifically
addressed the water feature and bike rack issues.
The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN. There being no requests to
speak, the Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED at 7:07 p.m.
RESOLUTION NO. 2008-047
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, GRANTING APPROVAL OF A ONE-YEAR TIME EXTENSION
FOR VILLAGE USE PERMIT 2005-032 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A
19,4331 SQUARE-FOOT, TWO-STORY OFFICE BUILDING WITH COFFEE
HOUSE (NISPERO PROPERTIES, INC.1.
It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Osborne to adopt Resolution No.
2008-047 as submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
The City Council meeting was recessed to Closed Session.
The City Council meeting was reconvened with no decisions being made in Closed
Session which require reporting pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.1
(Brown Act).
City Council Minutes 13 July 1, 2008
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the City Council concurred to adjourn the meeting.
Res a fu~lly~~:
VERONICA J.
City of La Qu
VTECINO, City Clerk
California